It was supposed to be harmless. That’s what Neil said, anyway.

Max was sitting on the steps outside the cabins, bored out of his mind, when Neil and Nikki came running up to him in a panic that looked just a little too theatrical.

“Max!” Nikki cried, grabbing his sleeve. “Something really bad happened!”

Neil adjusted his glasses, forcing his voice into something serious. “We—uh—we found them. In their cabin.”

Max barely looked up. “Found them doing what?”

Nikki hesitated just long enough to sell it. “…Not moving.”

That did it.

The color drained from Max’s face so fast it was almost scary. His usual sarcasm didn’t come. No snide comment, no eye roll—just a sharp inhale that hitched halfway through. His fists clenched at his sides.

“That’s not funny,” he said quietly. Too quietly.

Neil opened his mouth, probably to laugh it off, to admit the prank—but Max was already moving.

He bolted.

Gravel kicked up behind him as he sprinted across camp, ignoring David calling after him, ignoring Nikki suddenly yelling, “WAIT—MAX—!” The cabin door came into view far too fast, his heart pounding in his ears as dread settled heavy in his chest.

He didn’t knock.

The door flew open with a bang.

Inside, the cabin was dim and quiet. Curtains drawn. No movement.

You were lying on your bunk, completely still, blanket pulled up, face half-hidden by shadow. Peaceful. Unaware. Asleep.

Max froze.

For one horrifying second, his brain filled in all the worst possibilities.

“No—no, no, no…” His voice cracked as he rushed to your side, dropping to his knees. His hands shook as they hovered, then grabbed your shoulders. “Hey—hey! Wake up! Don’t do this, okay?!”

He shook you hard. Too hard. Panic had fully taken over now.

“Wake up!” he snapped, eyes wide and wet, breath coming fast. “This isn’t funny—this isn’t—”

Only then did you stir, the blanket shifting slightly as you were jolted awake.

Max didn’t notice right away.

He was too busy gripping your shoulders like he was afraid you’d disappear if he let go.